Trekking

The Umbwe Route is a challenging and dramatic trek starting from the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the most demanding route up the mountain, it is recommended only for experienced and well-conditioned climbers. The first two days are particularly tough, with steep, muddy, and strenuous terrain that tests even the fittest adventurers. Unlike other routes, the standard Umbwe itinerary typically does not include an acclimatization day. However, an extra day can be added at the Karanga Valley to improve altitude adjustment and increase summit success rates. The descent follows the Mweka Route, offering a different perspective of the mountain's diverse landscapes.

The Lemosho Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s least-used trails, known for its remote starting point and challenging access roads. Beginning at a high elevation, the route allows for a gradual, acclimatization-friendly ascent. The trail starts with a scenic forest hike, where buffalo and elephant sightings are possible, and vegetation is often thick due to low foot traffic. Climbing to the western edge of the Shira Plateau, trekkers are rewarded with one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. On day three, the route merges with the Shira Route, and by day four, it joins the more popular Machame Route. The trail then continues past Lava Tower and descends into the Great Barranco Valley, later connecting with the Umbwe Route. From there, it skirts the upper slopes of Kibo, through high-desert terrain, to Karanga Valley and up to Barafu Camp—our final base before the summit. This is the longest route to Kilimanjaro’s peak, making fitness and stamina key to success. The slow start allows time to acclimatize, but the final days, especially the summit push from Barafu, are physically and mentally demanding. There are no huts along the way—accommodation is in mountain tents, with meals served in mess tents. Ideal for experienced hikers, the Lemosho Route offers unmatched scenery, fewer crowds, and a rewarding adventure to Africa’s highest point.

The Lemosho Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s least-used trails, known for its remote starting point and challenging access roads. Beginning at a high elevation, the route allows for a gradual, acclimatization-friendly ascent. The trail starts with a scenic forest hike, where buffalo and elephant sightings are possible, and vegetation is often thick due to low foot traffic. Climbing to the western edge of the Shira Plateau, trekkers are rewarded with one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. On day three, the route merges with the Shira Route, and by day four, it joins the more popular Machame Route. The trail then continues past Lava Tower and descends into the Great Barranco Valley, later connecting with the Umbwe Route. From there, it skirts the upper slopes of Kibo, through high-desert terrain, to Karanga Valley and up to Barafu Camp—our final base before the summit. This is the longest route to Kilimanjaro’s peak, making fitness and stamina key to success. The slow start allows time to acclimatize, but the final days, especially the summit push from Barafu, are physically and mentally demanding. There are no huts along the way—accommodation is in mountain tents, with meals served in mess tents. Ideal for experienced hikers, the Lemosho Route offers unmatched scenery, fewer crowds, and a rewarding adventure to Africa’s highest point.

The Marangu or main route is by far the most popular way to the summit. The accommodation on the way up and down is provided in mountain huts with all the basic necessities. It usually takes 5 days/4nights for the round trip. But this trek takes in 6 days/5 nights as we have added an extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization.

There is only one route over on the north eastern side of the mountain, Rongai, which is usually a five night climb. This lesser known track may not be quite as spectacular as the western routes, but it does usually have far lower traffic than the other five night routes. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. It is generally considered to be the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain. Rongai is the best route for people who are looking for a decent quality experience and are perhaps not absolutely confident about your fitness.

This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. The accommodation on the way up and down is strictly camping (mobile tents) only. This trek is strenuous and may be better suited to more adventurous hikers. The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days/5nights on the mountain.

The Marangu or main route is by far the most popular way to the summit. The accommodation on the way up and down is provided in mountain huts with all the basic necessities. It usually takes 5 days/4nights for the round trip. The trek can also be taken in 6 days/5 nights to add acclimatization with an extra day at Horombo Hut.